New!
Event Dates:10/8/2025-10/20/2025
Format(s):
Online Conference
In this online conference, designed specifically for SLPs who work with medically complex children, you will learn to think critically through management of aerodigestive disorders in infants and young children across the continuum of care.
New!
Event Dates:6/10/2026-6/29/2026
Format(s):
Online Conference
Ready to rethink your approach to adult dysphagia? Join us for this online conference that combines need-to-know theory with practical strategies for working with patients with dysphagia.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This SIG 13 collection focuses on the critical issue of dysphagia in the head and neck cancer population, highlighting innovative approaches to assessment and intervention. Heather L. Warner and colleagues explore the prevalence of dysphagia among Veterans and identify key predictive factors that can inform early intervention strategies.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This SIG 13 continuing education collection focuses on the critical need for interprofessional collaboration and professional development in dysphagia management. The first article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis highlighting the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals regarding dysphagia. Next, the second article contributes an integrative review that emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about dysphagia among providers and various stakeholders. The final article discusses how targeted education can improve the self-efficacy of speech-language pathologists in delivering feeding interventions for infants with congenital heart disease. Together, these articles underscore the importance of education and collaboration in enhancing dysphagia care.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This collection of three SIG 13 articles offers a comprehensive look into recent
research in pediatric dysphagia assessment and management. In the first article, Julian
Bergen Smith and colleagues' qualitative investigation delves into the practices of
hospital-based speech-language pathologists regarding the use of the side-lying position
during modified barium swallow studies for infants. Next, Britt F. Pados and colleagues’
research focuses on the flow rates of bottle nipples with different thicknesses of barium
and infant formula. Finally, Leann Schow Smith and colleagues' article addresses the
unique challenges and considerations of conducting videofluoroscopic swallow studies
with pediatric patients. Collectively, these articles provide valuable insights and practical
recommendations for clinicians working with at-risk infants and children in various
clinical settings
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Clinical care in the intensive care unit (ICU) is exceptionally dynamic; patients may present differently day to day, or even hour by hour, and so their lab values and medication needs may fluctuate often. SLPs need to remain extraordinarily aware of changes in these lab values and medications to inform their ongoing assessment and treatment. This course examines classes of medications and lab values, their effects on a patient's presentation, and how they may influence SLP assessment and treatment as well as interprofessional decision-making.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) often use medical devices and equipment that can affect participation in SLP interventions and care planning. This course reviews lines, tubes, drains, and other medical devices that SLPs may encounter in the ICU. The presenter discusses how medical equipment can impact patient care.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
SLPs need to combine their understanding of physiology with multiple related factors to determine if an instrumental exam is needed, which exam is indicated, when it is needed, and why. Then they must effectively explain recommendations and findings to the patient, family, and other team members. In this course, you'll learn to address the many important factors and improve collaboration, communication, and documentation related to instrumental exams.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Each adult with dysphagia presents with unique characteristics, each setting provides different challenges, and each treatment team functions in different ways. Therefore, in addition to possessing core knowledge, SLPs need to consider all related factors and apply critical-thinking skills to meet the needs of each patient. In this course, you'll learn to consider these factors through collaboration with the patient, family, and other team members, and enhance communication and documentation of your recommendations.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This course explores known and unseen factors that influence development of a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) program in health care settings. Experts in pediatric and adult dysphagia discuss strategies for justifying a FEES program to decision-makers, financial and logistical touch points, implementation challenges, and the importance of increasing access to FEES in specialty settings like the neonatal intensive care unit and rural adult health care facilities.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar explores ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants, focusing on its impact on feeding, speech, and overall oral function. The presenter discusses the anatomy and physiology of ankyloglossia, evidence-based clinical assessment methods, as well as current trends and controversies surrounding its management. The course emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, including the decision-making process for surgical intervention and post-operative care.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
Three SIG 13 articles discuss dysphagia intervention. One article is about the use of gelatin-based desserts; a second article is about safe and functional bottle feeding for children with dysphagia; and a third articles is about using modified barium swallow studies for individuals with ALS.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar discusses ways to foster the development of evidence-based IEPs (individualized education programs) when targeting feeding and swallowing in the public-school setting. The speaker addresses working with related professionals and interprofessional practice opportunities within and beyond the school setting to enhance student outcomes. The speaker also provides strategies for family-centered care and culturally responsive practices.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This trio of SIG 13 articles provides information regarding managing and treating
dysphagia with adult patients. First, Abrams and co-authors underscore the importance
of hydration and discovered that individuals consuming thickened liquids are often at risk
for dehydration. Factors to increase fluid intake through different strategies are
discussed. Next, Arguello and Kerr discuss the mechanism of a facial burn injury and
how it may cause functional impairments that can be directly impacted through early
intervention utilizing speech-language pathology services. Finally, Warner and
colleagues completed a pilot study investigating the prevalence of pretreatment
dysphagia in oncologic patients and individual factors influencing post treatment
dysphagia.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar is designed for school-based SLPs who serve children with pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders (PFD). The course will review the ASHA Code of Ethics and an ethical decision-making approach, with application for SLPs serving children with PFD. Case studies will guide discussion of resources and approaches that can help resolve ethical issues.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar is a practical primer for SLPs who work with patients with dysphagia regardless of setting. The webinar explores the interrelationship between the oropharynx and the esophagus, reviews vital anatomy and physiology, discusses advocating with your interprofessional team about of the role of esophageal scans during videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), and explains what to do when you suspect esophageal involvement as part of your patient's dysphagia.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
This session is designed for school-based SLPs who support children with complex oral feeding and swallowing needs. The speaker discusses the components of a robust assessment-and how that assessment informs decisions surrounding a student's feeding needs. The session examines effective and realistic goal development to address feeding needs within an IEP.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
Professionals and patients face a variety of challenges that are unique to age and health care setting and that can influence outcomes in dysphagia management. In this on-demand course, a panel of experts explores both professional- and patient-related advocacy considerations that impact evidence-based practice and dysphagia management across a variety of adult and pediatric medical settings.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
These SIG 13 articles provide helpful information in dysphagia practice. Tasia Gibbons, Sophia Werden Abrams, Nazia Mohsin, Rebekah Guastella, Stefania Oppedisano, and Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald endeavor to validate a new device to measure lingual strengthening and swallow function. Kelsey Thompson, Cara McComish, and Suzanne Thoyre’s work aims to introduce dynamic systems theory to pediatric feeding clinicians. Margaret Wright and Justin Sleffel demonstrate the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and the vital role of speech-language pathologists in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia of unknown etiology. Hollie-Ann Lee Shortland, Gwendalyn Webb, Anne E. Vertigan, and Sally Hewat aim to explore the use of myofunctional devices and how speech-language pathologists gain better understanding of this modality.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar explores what pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) can look like in school-age children and outlines practical management strategies, therapeutic compensations, and skill-building activities. The speaker also addresses the importance of coordinated care.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
SLPs are increasingly involved in the care of patients with head and neck cancer. While preventative dysphagia services are accepted as standard of care, many clinicians don't have the background in this population to determine how to best evaluate and treat patients prior to radiation. This on demand webinar covers what clinicians need to know to provide prehabilitative care-from justification to assessment to treatment to working within the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
These four SIG 13 articles provide information for dysphagia practice. They address a unique array of special populations and challenges in patient care involving swallowing and feeding difficulties.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar is designed for school-based SLPs who support children with complex oral feeding and swallowing needs. The speaker discusses the components of a robust feeding and dysphagia assessment, and how that assessment informs treatment decisions surrounding a student's feeding needs. The course examines effective and realistic goal development to address feeding needs within the IEP.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar focuses on identification and management of dysphagia in people with dementia, with discussion of current research on dysphagia assessment, intervention, and caregiver burden. The webinar presents preferred practices for maximizing quality of life for this patient population.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
This session discusses the vital role SLPs who work in adult ICUs play in detection and management of voice, swallowing, and airway complications following COVID-19. The speaker discusses the nature of these complications; intubation, tracheostomy, and COVID-19 features; factors to guide early treatments; and how these factors shape decision-making in post-ICU settings.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This collection of SIG 13 articles addresses popular topics in dysphagia care throughout the life span regarding thickening practices, family-centered care, and early intervention. Jane Mertz Garcia, Edgar Chambers IV, and Anna Boyer utilized a survey to re-examine practice patterns for thickened liquids and provided a comparison of past practices with current to provide insight into contemporary themes that have previously not been considered. Doreen Benson and George Barnes explore the utility of a mathematical prediction model (Bayes theorem) in dysphagia management. Samantha E. Shune, Deanna Linville, and Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald address maximizing treatment effectiveness by using an approach with family resiliency and adaptation. Drawing from the principles of family systems theory and the biopsychosocial-spiritual framework, they use a case study as a tutorial to explore the application of family-centered care models to dysphagia management. Stephanie C. Cohen and Karen Dilfer focus on the definition of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) and the multifaceted needs of families and children in early intervention, support for use of responsive feeding in treatment of PFD, alignment of responsive feeding strategies with early intervention principles, and barriers limiting access to consistent, high-quality early intervention services for children with PFD.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This webinar describes anatomical and physiological structures and functions related to feeding and swallowing to assist clinicians in interpreting evaluation findings and selecting appropriate treatment strategies for students on their caseload. The presenter discusses sensorimotor function of the trunk, shoulders, head, and neck, as well as of the upper aerodigestive tract, and reviews oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal structures and functions. The webinar includes case studies that address the impact of impaired anatomy and physiology in students with feeding and swallowing disorders.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
This session explores the strengths and limitations for interpreting clinical swallow examination (CSE) results, including implications for dysphagia management in adult populations across clinical settings. The speaker contrasts CSEs with instrumental swallow examinations and shares resources to maximize clinical usefulness of the clinical swallow exam.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
This session shares preferred practices for selecting, conducting, and interpreting instrumental swallow exams. The speaker discusses strengths and limitations of different instrumental exams, along with clinical applications to promote more accurate dysphagia diagnosis, targeted treatment planning, and positive patient outcomes. The session includes tips for critical thinking and current evidence supporting the use of instrumental exams to optimize the safety and quality of life of those living with swallowing disorders.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
This session reviews what it means for a measure to be objective, subjective, and/or valid and applies these concepts to fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). The presenters also discuss other, equally important, criteria to consider when evaluating a patient for dysphagia: accuracy, meaningfulness, and relevancy.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
This session introduces technological, procedural, and analysis factors that optimize objectivity and reproducibility of clinically valid videofluoroscopic measurements made from modified barium swallow (MBS) studies. The speaker addresses the importance and preferred practices for learning, training, and measurement skill calibration and demonstrates positive and negative influences of clinical bias on VFSS measurement and interpretation.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
SLPs who work with people with dysphagia face the challenge of identifying food textures and liquid consistencies that will optimize swallowing safety and efficiency while minimizing negative consequences on quality of life and nutrition. This session features case-based opportunities to practice the skills involved in determining when and how texture modification can be used to improve swallowing outcomes.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
The application of multiple swallow maneuvers is often a mainstay of dysphagia intervention, but the role of the maneuver and its effect on swallow rehabilitation outcomes are not always clear. This session explores swallowing intervention beyond the application of maneuvers and reviews the role of motor learning strategies in maximizing outcomes for patients.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Impairments in laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) are a major cause of aspiration during swallowing. Accurately identifying LVC impairment is a priority in dysphagia management as aspiration can occur if LVC is absent or delayed, or duration is reduced. However, this mechanism is often overlooked and underreported in the evaluation of swallowing and in swallowing research. This session discusses methods for incorporating LVC as a primary outcome measure in dysphagia diagnosis and management to increase diagnostic accuracy and optimize dysphagia management.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Modifying diet consistencies is one of the more common approaches to dysphagia care. However, much controversy remains regarding how SLPs tackle decision-making and about the actual modification and measurement of liquids and foods in terms of nutrition and safety as primary goals of dysphagia treatment. This session addresses the complexities in both processes, with a focus on achieving the best outcomes for each patient.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Clinicians who practice dysphagia management can easily generate a mental image of a "normal" swallow. Frequently, words such as "unsafe," "inefficient," or "at-risk" accompany images of swallows that deviate from normal. This session carefully examines the complexities and pitfalls of using these types of terms with patients, families, and/or medical providers. In particular, the speakers discuss how the SLP's notion of what constitutes safety and efficiency can influence diet recommendations and treatment plans. This session tackles the complexities of the meaning behind the words and phrases that influence and underlie clinical decisions and how SLPs communicate them to patients and other stakeholders.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
When SLPs are tasked with evaluating and treating patients who use high flow nasal cannula oxygenation systems, they may have questions about these systems' potential impact on swallowing. This session discusses the literature on swallowing and use of high flow nasal cannulas and the implications for dysphagia evaluation and treatment.
Format(s):
eWorkshop
Often, SLPs working with individuals with dysphagia struggle with knowing when it is appropriate to discharge their patient. The decision to discharge is multifactorial, including both patient- and clinician-driven factors. This session explores practical strategies and evidence-based practices for determining when it is appropriate to discharge a patient from dysphagia treatment.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This SIG 13 collection of astute articles provides information regarding managing and
treating dysphagia in the hospital for both adult and pediatric patients. Nalia GurgelJuarez and colleagues explore the frequency of oral care based on staff adherence to
oral care policies. Rebecca Smith et al. investigate the quality-of-life impacts of
dysphagia and its interventions on mealtimes using the Swallowing Quality of Life
Questionnaire and the Eating Assessment Tool. Jessica L. Rice and Maureen A. LeftonGreif review high-flow nasal cannula mechanisms of action, its use in specific
populations and settings, and what is known about initiation of feeding during this
therapy. Finally, Donna Edwards and colleagues explore the impact of COVID-19 on
modifications in clinical practice related to pediatric feeding disorders and dysphagia via
telehealth.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This quartet of SIG 13 articles provides information regarding managing and treating dysphagia in the adult population. Caileen Harvey, Rachel Flemming, Julia Davis, and Victoria Reynolds investigate International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative implementation issues by surveying health care professionals in health care facilities in rural Upstate New York. Ankita M. Bhutada, William A. Broughton, Brenda L. Beverly, Dahye Choi, Sandip Barui, and Kendrea L. (Focht) Garand aim to identify the prevalence of dysphagia and reflux reported symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and determine associations between symptoms and demographic and clinical variables. Stevie Marvin summarizes published research on screening, evaluating, and treating post-extubation dysphagia in the intensive care unit. Rebekah Guastella, Stefania Oppedisano, Luis F. Riquelme, and Ashwini M. Namasivayam-MacDonald study bolus location at swallow onset, stage transition, pharyngeal transition duration, pharyngeal response duration, and pharyngeal phase duration between cued and uncued swallowing conditions in patients with dementia.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This trio of SIG 13 articles provides information regarding unique factions of dysphagia intervention. Sophia Werden Abrams, Harmonie S. J. Chan, Jasmeet Sikand, Heather Wilkie, and Kim Smith raise awareness for the importance of neurodegenerative disorder research involving dysphagia caused by oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. Michela Jean Mir and Karen Wheeler Hegland aim to shed light on the subjective use of cough assessment and the importance and interest in formal clinical cough assessment training. Kendrea L. (Focht) Garand, Mary Catherine Reilly, Dahye Choi, Rajarshi Dey, Julie Estis, and Grayson Hill evaluate community dwelling adults using Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile components for bolus hold type to assist in defining typical swallowing behaviors.
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This assemblage of articles provides information on interesting topics encountered in adult dysphagia practice. Aarthi Madhavan, Nicole Shuman, Claire Snyder, and Nicole Etter provide insight on the comparative consistency of the Eating Assessment Tool and Sydney Swallow Questionnaire scores for self-reported swallowing difficulties in a group of community-dwelling older adults completing both questionnaires. Georgina Papadopoulos-Nydam, Jana Maureen Rieger, and Gabriela Constantinescu evaluate the usability of a mobile health (mHealth) system designed for dysphagia exercise in persons with a history of stroke. Renata Mancopes, Fernanda Borowsky da Rosa, Lidia Lis Tomasi, Adriane S. Pasqualoto, and Catriona M. Steele demonstrate concern for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and share information regarding dysphagia in people with COPD, synthesizing knowledge both from the literature and from studies performed in the context of a multidisciplinary clinical pulmonary rehabilitation program abroad. Additionally, Talia H. Schwartz brings to light the importance and utility of the clinical swallow evaluation while caring for patients with COVID-19.
A Myriad of Dysphagia Interventions: NICU, Cultural Humility, Instrumentation, Nursing, Tracheostomy Tubes, and Technology
A Myriad of Dysphagia Interventions: NICU, Cultural Humility, Instrumentation, Nursing, Tracheostomy Tubes, and Technology
Format(s):
SIG Perspectives
This collection of articles presents clinicians with evidence on a variety of topics in dysphagia that can be utilized in practice immediately. Alaina Martens and Emily Zimmerman offer insight regarding changes to feeding patterns in infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after prolonged oxygen therapy in the newborn intensive care unit. Paula Leslie and colleagues provide a framework of health and illness and how food and drink are much more. They stress the importance of clinician appreciation as a cultural guest in our patients’ lives. Bonnie Martin-Harris and colleagues stress the importance of instrumentation with a thorough review of available practice guidelines and appropriateness criteria issued to date, revealing a deficit of up-to-date, comprehensive, evidence-based information on the diagnosis and evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Specifically, a lack of quality guidance on the ordering, performance, and reporting of the modified barium swallow study has hindered efforts to improve standardization and ensure quality continuity of care. Naomi Gurevich and colleagues stress the need to clarify guidelines and increase interprofessional education between both professions to improve patient care. George Barnes and Nancy Toms highlight speech-language pathologists’ need for a solid foundation of knowledge when it comes to patients with highly complex disease processes and care plans. Deirdre Muldoon and colleagues conduct a review of published literature regarding management of feeding difficulties at the oral phase of feeding in children with autism spectrum disorder and/or developmental disability. Finally, Paul M. Evitts and colleagues reveal a potential way to track aspiration in healthy adults using an app.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
SLPs who work with children with feeding disorders often face challenges when managing oral hypersensitivities or advancing a child’s diet due to refusal behaviors. This on demand webinar explores the question, “What can I do when oral-sensory-motor deficits and difficult behaviors intersect?” The speaker discusses factors to consider when evaluating children with behavioral
feeding disorders as well as uses video examples to illustrate and discuss various treatment strategies.
Best Seller
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
Behavioral interventions that provide a calibrated mode for strengthening inspiratory and expiratory muscles are limited and often non-evidence-based. This on demand webinar discusses the evidence base for respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) devices and shares the assessment and treatment protocols necessary for valid implementation of respiratory muscle strength training protocols. The course will be useful for SLPs working in health care settings treating acute and chronic conditions that impact the functions of breathing, coughing, swallowing, and vocalizing that result from skeletal muscle weakness.
Format(s):
On Demand Webinar
This on demand webinar addresses the clinical utility of a clinical swallow examination (CSE) for individuals with suspected swallowing impairment. The speaker discusses the power of the CSE, which comes from employing a systematic assessment to enhance clinical decision-making. The webinar dives into the critical components for a multidimensional CSE applicable across patient populations and settings.
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